Staying constantly alert and focused on the road is not optional. Distracted driving has become an increasingly serious problem, causing thousands of fatalities every year. Distractions like taking a phone call, reading a text message, or adjusting the settings on your car can be as dangerous as driving under the influence.
No text, conversation, or scenery on the side of the road is more important than human life. Avoiding distractions while driving helps prevent accidents and save lives. This guide will cover common causes of distracted driving, legal and personal consequences, and ways to prevent distractions on the road.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as “any activity that diverts attention from driving.” The task of driving requires your full, undivided attention to keep yourself and others safe.
Types of Distractions
There are three primary categories of driving distractions:
- Manual distractions: Manual distractions refer to any activity that requires you to take your hands off the wheel.
- Visual distractions: Visual distractions are among the most common distracted-driving risks and involve any activity that takes your eyes off the road in front of you.
- Cognitive distractions: Cognitive distractions are activities that impair your focus and take your mind away from the task of driving.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving
Some of the most common distractions that can lead to accidents or being pulled over include:
- Using a cell phone (texting, taking phone calls, or checking notifications)
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Talking to passengers, especially in serious or heated conversations
- Looking at accidents, billboards, or nearby scenery
- Adjusting music, heating and cooling, or GPS
- Reaching for objects
- Personal grooming
- Adjusting mirrors or seats
- Daydreaming or zoning out
- Dealing with kids or pets in the car
Consequences of Distracted Driving
Driving while distracted can lead to a number of negative outcomes, including motor vehicle crashes, property damage, injuries, and even death. Why exactly is it so dangerous?
Distracted drivers display decreased reaction time, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can cause you to miss hazards like debris or other cars. Any type of distraction can also cause you to miss signs, red lights, or crosswalks.
Small distractions can seem harmless until someone gets hurt. The emotional and practical realities of causing a serious accident are overwhelming and life-changing. When you get behind the wheel of a car, you should always treat it with the seriousness it deserves.
Statistics on Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, accidents due to distractions are dangerously common, and the effects are reflected in distracted driving statistics on injuries and fatal crashes. In 2022, an estimated 3,108 people were killed in accidents that involved distracted driving, with an additional 289,310 people suffering injuries.
According to research from AAA, 93% of drivers agree that texting while driving is dangerous. However, 37% admitted to texting while driving in the month prior to the survey. This shows that a large number of drivers engage in dangerous behaviors despite knowing the risks.
Impact of Distracted Driving
Legal Ramifications
Traffic laws on distracted driving vary by state and local jurisdiction. In some states, you might get fines and penalties as well as points on your driving record. You may face more serious legal consequences for distracted driving if the incident is severe, if you have multiple offenses, or if the violation results in an accident, property damage, injury, or death. In serious cases, you may be criminally charged.
Economic Costs
If you’re pulled over due to distracted driving, you may have to pay traffic tickets or fines for repeated offenses. If you get into a collision, you may have to cover the cost of car repairs or medical treatments, and your car insurance premiums will likely increase.
Social Impacts
Injury and loss of human life are the most serious consequences of distracted driving. Failing to focus on the road can harm or kill people, just like driving under the influence. Driving while distracted also sets a bad example for other drivers and passengers, especially if you have teenagers or kids in the car.
Saving More on Car Insurance
Distracted driving is a serious problem and can lead to severe legal, financial, and human consequences. It’s always important to practice safe driving behaviors and avoid distractions. Be sure to review local and national laws and regulations on safe driving.
Many states also have laws requiring drivers to carry insurance. Finding cheap car insurance that also offers the coverage you need can be a daunting task. Fortunately, with EverQuote, you can compare and contrast top insurance plans based on your specific needs to find auto insurance that works for you.